Description
The painting Endymion and Selene by the artist Filippo Lauri is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque, noted for its refined artistic style and harmonious composition. The painting represents the Greek myth of Endymion, a beautiful shepherd who was loved by the moon goddess Selene, who visited him every night while he slept in a cave.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with Endymion asleep in the center of the image, surrounded by a mystical and heavenly atmosphere. Selene's figure, in her white robe and golden hair, floats in the air as she gazes at her lover with an expression of deep love. The scene is filled with exquisite details, such as the clouds and stars in the background, creating a sense of depth and mystery.
The paint color is also notable, with a soft and delicate palette that emphasizes the dreamy and romantic feeling. Pastel tones and touches of golden light create an ethereal and magical atmosphere that transports the viewer to a world of fantasy and poetry.
The history of the painting is interesting, as it was commissioned by Cardinal Pietro Ottoboni in the 17th century and was part of his private collection. After the cardinal's death, the painting was sold and passed through several hands before being acquired by the National Gallery, London in 1972.
Despite its beauty and artistic quality, Filippo Lauri's painting Endymion and Selene is relatively unknown, making it a hidden gem of Italian Baroque art. Its original size of 30 x 24 cm makes it a work of small dimensions but with great visual impact, which deserves to be admired up close to appreciate its detail and subtlety.